Shock absorbers

[Rich]

sorry about the school master part..... I do not like incorrect info. If someone is wrong and tells the guy who really does know what he is talking about that he is wrong, then I will stand up and show why they are wrong. All I was trying to do was show how it all works... Some of the books and papers I read are hundreds of pages long with tech info so even though you see them long winded I could point them to huge tech pages.I have tried to keep them as basic as possible.

I come from a background where all this information is basic knowledge VERY BASIC. Some of the technology I get to use is more like rocket science!! Suspension is easy!

I will be fitting dampers straight on to the new van we are planning to buy. And sorry for the lenght of my posts!!!

 

[mcghee]

Rich, you have shot my explanation down in flames and then said mostly the same thing. That is the purpose of the shock absorber is to control the spring to stop it continuing to bounce.

 

[Rich]

Craig you said...... " Shock absorbers are not the answer since they don't actually absorb shock at all. What they do is prevent the suspension from continuing to bounce after the initial jolt."

They do absorb shock...... As explained and saying they are just to prevent suspension from continuing to bounce is not totally correct as you tried to say they do not control compression only extension of the spring to stop bounce..... It is so much more as I said I can take any one of you to show you exactly what suspension does. A full explanation would take many pages and it takes years to learn how to set up dampers correctly and usually that is done by ex racers like myself!!

 

[RogerL]

Craig, rich, lutz (and me) can we step back a minute?

Dampers / shock absorbers are a GOOD idea and should be fitted to all caravans.

Less technical forum readers might think that we're debating whether dampers / shock absorbers are beneficial or not but that isn't the case.

They're a benefit to any caravan but won't cure any inherent instability. I think we're all agreed on that.

 

[mcghee]

Good words Roger. I had actually stood down from this subject since we were heading towards an argument over nothing. You are right, shock absorbers make a huge difference to the overall handling of an outfit and probably should be fitted as standard to all 'vans. I'm still not convinced they would cure Steve's problem. Incidentally Rich, I too used to race and prepare my own Peugeots in the hothatch series, and I do mostly understand how suspension components work, although my explanation lags a bit behind yours.